2023 Summer Travel to Europe

Summary:

• Airfare to Europe this summer is averaging nearly $1,200 per ticket, the highest prices seen in the last 6 years. 

• European hotels are averaging $205 per night, up 37% from this time last year. Prices in some top cities have risen even more compared to last summer, including Rome (+63%) and Madrid (+41%). 

• Since late April, demand to Europe has outpaced 2019 growth rates by as much as 20% as Americans have planned and booked their summer vacations.

• Travelers headed to Europe are booking trips to major bucket list cities like London, Paris and Rome. 

Airfare Prices

Europe is the #1 destination region for international US travelers, capturing more than ⅓ of all international searches from the US for summer 2023! Airfare to Europe this summer is averaging nearly $1,200 per ticket, the highest prices seen in the last 6 years. Airfare is averaging 12% higher than last summer, and 23% higher (+$220 per ticket) than in summer 2019. Despite higher prices, demand for travel to Europe remains high.

Since late April, demand to Europe has outpaced 2019 growth rates by as much as 20% as Americans have planned and booked their summer vacations.  Historical and current demand rates are converging once again as we approach the peak of summer searches in mid June. 

Travelers headed to Europe are booking trips to major bucket list cities like London, Paris and Rome. The most booked destinations in Europe also include destinations in Spain, Portugal and Greece, offering warm weather and long sunny days this summer. 

Though most travelers are headed to the typical bucket list destinations in Europe, we’ve rounded up the top destinations off the beaten path that are trending this summer. Trips to Northern Ireland and Montenegro are increasing in popularity this year relative to previous summers. As a result of the hugely popular HBO series the White Lotus, Palermo, a city on the island of Sicily, is one of the top trending destinations off the beaten path in Europe. 

Busiest Airports in Europe Summer 2023

Airports across Europe are expected to be packed with American tourists this summer with the largest among them expected to see crowds over peak weekends. London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol and Frankfurt airports are expected to be the 3 busiest airports for passenger flights this summer. All three airports are currently seeing more than 30% of flights delayed on departure already, with some of the busiest weekends of the season ahead. 

Vacationers who plan to arrive, depart or connect through any of these airports should plan ahead for some extra time this summer as delays and long lines are expected. 

Accommodations

American travelers headed across Europe will be looking for accommodations while on their trips, and are likely to feel some sticker shock compared to last summer. European hotels are averaging $205 per night, up 37% from this time last year. Prices in some top cities have risen even more compared to last summer, including Rome (+63%) and Madrid (+41%). 

Hopper users are booking stays in top cities like London, Paris and Barcelona for early summer getaways. Destinations off the beaten path like Manchester and Birmingham have also topped the rankings. Travelers booking European hotels are staying a little longer this summer, with most stays close to 2 nights, compared to 1.7 nights on average last summer. Though prices are higher this summer, travelers continue to book more last minute. Hopper bookers are reserving their stays 7-8 weeks in advance compared to 9-10 weeks in advance last year.

How to get a deal to Europe?

Deals Hopper users scored to Europe under $500

Though prices to Europe this year are high, many Hopper users scored incredible deals by planning ahead and booking at the right time. Hopper customers are headed to Iceland, Portugal, France and Greece for under $400 per ticket this summer season, saving as much as 70% off current prices. 

Last minute deals to Europe still available to book

Still eyeing a trip to Europe for this summer or fall? You’re in luck! Hopper is running a sale June 13-15th with exclusive deals to top European destinations.

• Athens, Greece - as low as $772 round-trip (additional $100 off flights & 30% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

• Madrid, Spain - as low as $703 round-trip (additional $100 off flights & 30% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

• Prague, Czech Republic - as low as $916 round-trip (additional $100 off flights & 30% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

• Copenhagen, Denmark - as low as $880 round-trip (additional $60 off flights & 25% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

• Berlin, Germany - as low as $675 round-trip (additional $60 off flights & 25% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

• Munich, Germany - as low as $974 round-trip (additional $100 off flights & 25% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

• London,  United Kingdom - as low as $639 round-trip (additional $50 off flights & 25% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

• Amsterdam, Netherlands - as low as $883 round-trip (additional $50 off flights & 25% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)